Investigation of aerodynamic performance characteristics of a wind-turbine-blade profile using the finite-volume method

Two-dimensional incompressible flow around a NACA 63-415 airfoil, which is encountered in engineering applications as a typical wind-turbine-blade profile, is investigated computationally. Aerodynamic loads and the flow mechanism over this particular blade profile are examined in detail to determine the optimum angle of attack. Simulations are performed in the range of the typical operating conditions encountered for commercial-scale wind turbines with Reynolds numbers 10(5) <= Re <= 3 x 10(6) and for angles of attack 0 degrees <= alpha <= 20 degrees. The turbulent flow was modelled by means of the Spalart-Allmaras and the Shear-Stress Transport (SST) k-omega turbulence models to provide a direct comparison between data obtained with different models. The results obtained are compared to numerical and experimental data available in literature for validation. The aerodynamic performance analysis reveals that the optimum angle of attack for this blade profile is alpha = 6 degrees for Re <= 10(6) and alpha = 7 degrees for Re >= 1.6 x 10(6). (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.